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Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Smart NIC Software Engineer, Embedded

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

... with embedded operating systems. Preferred qualifications: * Master's degree or PhD in Computer ... As a Software Engineer, you will be passionate about networking and systems programming. If you are ...

Avionic Software Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

We are seeking a Mid-Level Avionic Software Engineer with hands-on experience developing safety ... Solid understanding of embedded systems design, RTOS concepts, timing constraints, and low-level ...

Review product requirements and collaborate with system engineers to translate system-level specifications into embedded software architecture for new products. * Evaluate alternative embedded ...

... Engineer and validate designs utilizing embedded processors such as the ESP32 family, along with ... systems, and peripheral interfaces. - Build prototypes and perform validation testing using ...

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Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$68K

$149.1K

$169.1K

How much do freelance embedded system software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance embedded system software engineer in Raleigh, NC is $149,101.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,800.00 and $168,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer do?

A Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer designs, develops, and tests software that runs on embedded systems, which are specialized computing systems within larger devices like cars, appliances, or industrial machines. They typically work independently or on a contract basis, collaborating with clients to understand requirements and deliver customized software solutions. Their responsibilities often include writing low-level code, optimizing for performance and memory usage, and troubleshooting hardware-software integration issues.

What is the difference between Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer vs Embedded Firmware Developer?

AspectFreelance Embedded System Software EngineerEmbedded Firmware Developer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or related fields; certifications are optionalSimilar educational background; certifications like Certified Embedded Systems Engineer can be advantageous
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based work often remote; collaborates with multiple clientsUsually employed by a company or works on in-house projects; may work on-site or remotely
Industry UsageUsed across various industries including IoT, automotive, consumer electronicsPrimarily in product development, consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial systems

Both roles require embedded programming skills and knowledge of hardware. The main difference lies in the work setting: Freelance Embedded System Software Engineers work independently on diverse projects, while Embedded Firmware Developers are often employed by companies focusing on firmware development for specific products.

How do freelance embedded system software engineers typically manage project scope and communication with clients?

Freelance embedded system software engineers often work independently or as part of small remote teams, making clear communication and project scope management essential. They regularly use project management tools and set milestones to clarify deliverables and timelines with clients. Addressing technical constraints and hardware integration challenges early in the process helps avoid misunderstandings. Frequent status updates and transparent discussions about changes or obstacles ensure projects stay on track and meet client expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer, you need a solid background in embedded C/C++ programming, microcontroller architecture, and real-time operating systems, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering or computer science. Familiarity with hardware debugging tools, version control systems (like Git), and development platforms such as ARM, AVR, or PIC is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, self-motivation, and clear client communication help freelancers stand out in this role. These competencies ensure reliable, efficient solutions and successful project delivery in dynamic and client-driven environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer job openings:
Senior System Software Engineer - Performance

Senior System Software Engineer - Performance

Nvidia

Durham, NC

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology-and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our tightly coupled CPU, GPU and DPU technology acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you'll be immersed in a diverse, supportive environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Come join the team and see how you can make a lasting impact on the world!

NVIDIA is searching for a highly motivated, technical engineer to join the Tegra system-on-chip (SoC) software organization. You will work on key aspects of our ARM SW ecosystem and system software architecture. With a targeted charter to enable best-in-class datacenter-scale performance and efficiency for our next generation of datacenter products, including CPUs and CPU+GPU Superchips.

What you will be doing:

  • Design, develop, test, and optimize software for our next-generation SoCs. In both pre-silicon and post-silicon phases of execution.

  • Review architectural performance bottlenecks for various system wide work loads. Identify HW/SW policies to drive performance and performance/watt leadership.

  • Using strong communication skills, build and drive architecture, analysis documents and communications to internal and/or external audiences about our technology.

  • Competitive analysis comparing uArchitecture & workload performance metrics on NVIDIA's ARM SoCs against emerging processors from other silicon vendors.

  • Influence and drive full-stack adoption of performance optimizations and best practices across NVIDIA SW products & OSS SDKs

What we need to see:

  • BS or MS degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related degree (or equivalent experience).

  • 6+ years of relevant computer architecture or SW development experience.

  • Proven leadership skills and strong ownership on past projects.

  • Hands on technical experience and demonstrated excellence in an environment with complex software and hardware designs.

  • Strong understanding of multicore hardware, operating systems design, concurrency, virtual memory, caching, interrupts, device drivers and real-time programming.

  • Strong stills in performance analysis, data analysis and performance optimization.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Deep expertise in ARM architecture and SW ecosystem.

  • Proficient in analyzing, debugging and tuning performance of complex system software stacks.

  • Experience with CPU server system workloads and performance analysis.

  • Familiarity with CUDA programming and/or GPUs.

  • Experience with HPC or large-scale computing environments.

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD for Level 4, and 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD for Level 5.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until January 13, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993